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dslc6487's avatar
dslc6487
Explorer
Nov 30, 2015

Choice of tow vehicles - Let me know what you think

This is certainly going to be a very controversial question, but I would like to have feed back from as many people as I can. I have a 172 R Pod and I have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma extended cab with a 2.7 4 cyl engine with a 5 speed tranny. So far, my truck has handled the pod very well with just me and my wife. Sure, up in the mountains, I have to use some of the lower gears, but that is what they are there for. In looking ahead, we will probably get somewhat of a larger TT, but not much bigger. Probably a bigger pod or something not much bigger any way. Don't care a thing in the world about one of the larger TT or 5th wheels. I want something that is not too large for where I might want to go. And, main reason for another tow vehicle is a prolific family situation. With that being said, I have 2 grandsons, one pregnant daughter with a single bundle of joy that is due in May. AND, another daughter that will be having 2 bundles of joy in July, yep, twins. That will leave us with 5 grandchildren. I know we will be taking some of them camping with us, however, not all 5 at one time. So, with that being said, I am beginning to look for a larger tow vehicle. I am looking at the following: Ford F150 Lariat Super Cab with 5.4 engine; Silverado 1500 with Crew Cab and 5.7 engine; and Toyota Crew Max with 5.7 engine. For those of you that have had experience with any of these vehicles, or, all of these vehicles, please chime in and help me make, for what would be for you, the best choice from info that I have given. I am leaning toward the Toyota Crew Max. Also, I am not going to buy a new one. I never buy new vehicles. Everyone has their own opinion, but I just can't see paying the prices that they ask for new vehicles. Probably be looking at somewhere between
2006-2012 year model. Shoot me your feedback please, the more the merrier……….
Tow Vehicles

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  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2015
    My sister has a Expedition for sale that has a 10,000 pound towing package, 5.4L engine and seating for 8. That way you could take all the grandkids and some of their parents to do the cleaning! To bad you live more than 2,000 miles away. ..

    I think that any of the proposed trucks will work great with a 500 - 750 pound hitch weight and say 800 pounds of passengers. The 5+ liter engines will not need to slow below about 50 on the steepest of hills.

    One thing about the super cabs, the kids will tend to grow taller, and will complain about being the only one in the back seat. . . .

    You might be looking at much larger trailers with a slide out once you have the ability to safely tow something in the 27' range. My buddy was looking at new 26' Fleetwood, when they came across a 27' that had been traded in of the same floorplan and model, but one year older and 1 foot longer. So they bought it.

    For a tow truck, he had a 351" F-150 with a lot of add on things to keep the engine cooler, and larger transmission cooler, ect. He traded that in on a new F-250 with the same 351" engine, but a much larger radiator, much larger brakes, ect. He was much happier towing with the new truck than the older one.

    Good luck,

    Fred.
  • tonymull's avatar
    tonymull
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2015
    Your could go with a newer Tacoma 2005 + , they have a 4.3 engine and far more towing capacity than yours. Otherwise go for a Tundra 5.7. Can't beat Toyota for reliability and resale.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Nov 30, 2015
    dslc6487 wrote:
    This is certainly going to be a very controversial question, but I would like to have feed back from as many people as I can. I have a 172 R Pod and I have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma extended cab with a 2.7 4 cyl engine with a 5 speed tranny. So far, my truck has handled the pod very well with just me and my wife. Sure, up in the mountains, I have to use some of the lower gears, but that is what they are there for. In looking ahead, we will probably get somewhat of a larger TT, but not much bigger. Probably a bigger pod or something not much bigger any way. Don't care a thing in the world about one of the larger TT or 5th wheels. I want something that is not too large for where I might want to go. And, main reason for another tow vehicle is a prolific family situation. With that being said, I have 2 grandsons, one pregnant daughter with a single bundle of joy that is due in May. AND, another daughter that will be having 2 bundles of joy in July, yep, twins. That will leave us with 5 grandchildren. I know we will be taking some of them camping with us, however, not all 5 at one time. So, with that being said, I am beginning to look for a larger tow vehicle. I am looking at the following: Ford F150 Lariat Super Cab with 5.4 engine; Silverado 1500 with Crew Cab and 5.7 engine; and Toyota Crew Max with 5.7 engine. For those of you that have had experience with any of these vehicles, or, all of these vehicles, please chime in and help me make, for what would be for you, the best choice from info that I have given. I am leaning toward the Toyota Crew Max. Also, I am not going to buy a new one. I never buy new vehicles. Everyone has their own opinion, but I just can't see paying the prices that they ask for new vehicles. Probably be looking at somewhere between
    2006-2012 year model. Shoot me your feedback please, the more the merrier……….


    If your looking at a Chevy truck with a 5.7 then it has to be at least a 98 model truck and that getting up in age.

    Out of your choices the Toyota 5.7 is a very strong engine, but loves the gas. Perhaps the fuel mileage in not so critical right now with low fuel prices. A buddy I fish with has a '11 Toy 5.7 and it's been a really good truck for him.

    Good luck...

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